Summer Tour of Myanmar in Luxury

11 days - £1,760pp

This is the perfect itinerary if you are looking to travel Myanmar in the low-season (May – September). Whilst southern Myanmar experiences heavy rain in these months, we have carefully selected the northern and higher areas which receive much less rain, designing the perfect low-season itinerary, which still takes in all the key highlights. What’s more, hotels are half price so we have included our favourite luxurious hotels every step off the way (we can also provide this tour at a much lower cost staying at cheaper hotels). This is actually our favourite time of year to visit Myanmar because there are no crowds and you will feel like the country is all yours to discover – just yours!

Day 1 - Welcome to Mandalay!

After meeting your private guide and driver at the airport, they will take you to some fascinating sights on the way to Mandalay. Start with a visit to the snake temple in Paleik, which has 3 pythons that sleep at the feet of Buddha, before seeing one of the largest monasteries, the famous Mahamuni pagoda and the old capital of Amarapura. As the sun sets, walk over U-Bein Bridge and take a boat ride. Check into the luxurious Rupar Mandalar tonight (premier suite).

Day 2 - CRUISE THE AYEYARWADY RIVER TO MINGUN & AVA

Today you will board a boat to visit the former royal capitals around Mandalay. Stop at Mingun Pagoda (and see a huge crack caused by an earthquake) before taking a leisurely boat cruise for about 3 hours downstream to delightful Ava – a simple lunch packed in rattan baskets is served on board. In Ava, horse carts will take you around this magnificent site of ancient temple ruins before returning to Mandalay by car.

Day 3 - Visit the picturesque village of Yandabo

Meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to Yandabo village, which is famous for clay pottery, by private car. On the way, lunch will be taken at a local restaurant before you explore this pretty village, known for the signing of the Yandabo Treaty which took place under a tree on the riverbank in 1826, between the British and Burmese. Tonight, check into Yandabo Home on the river banks (deluxe room).

Day 4 - Visit PAKKOKU and travel TO BAGAN

Begin your day with a walk around the village of Yandabo and see the traditional clay pot making process. Continue to Pakkoku by Private car (3.5 hrs driving), where you will visit a local slipper factory and market before taking a private boat to Bagan. Lunch is served on board, before stopping at Kyauk Gu Ohnmin cave temple, which is rarely visited by tourists. In Bagan, the luxurious Bagan Lodge awaits (bungalow room).

Day 5 - Explore the heart of Bagan

We start the day climbing Buledi or Shwesandaw Paya for a first impressive view over the area. From here, you explore Gubyaukgyi Temple, famous for its frescoes and Ananda, which is one of he most beautiful temples – and the uncompleted Dhammayangyi with its chilling ghost stories! Enjoy a picnic lunch in quiet and often deserted temple ruins. before taking a horse cart to a sunset pagoda with some refreshing drinks served!

Day 6 - EXPLORE bagan at leisure

We have not planned anything for you today so you can explore Bagan at your own pace – if you would like we can arrange a driver and guide to be on hand for you. There are more than 2,000 temples, stupas and pagodas in this impressive settlement and it is magic to walk or cycle around at leisure, soaking up the natural beauty and sacred atmosphere of Bagan.

Day 7 - Soak up the beauty of Inle Lake

This morning we will fly you to Heho Airport, where your private driver and guide will escort you to your beautiful lakeside hotel at the iconic Inle Lake. Taking a motorboat to your hotel, and catching your first glimpse of the fishermen who use huge baskets to fish and row with one leg, is an unforgettable moment. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure, soaking up your beautiful setting from Villa Inle Resort & Spa (lake front villa).

Day 8 - A Day on the Lake

Enjoy a full day boating around the lake. Highlights include the colourful rotating five-day markets frequented by the Shan and Pa O people, the famous Intha fisherman rowing in the one-legged style; and visits to Phaungdaw U Pagoda, and a local cheroot factory(Burmese cigar). We will walk about 1 hour to enjoy a fantastic view over the lake. A home-made cooked lunch is served in a local house.

Day 9 - The colonial charms of Yangon

This morning we will fly you to Yangon, the beating heart of urban Myanmar today. Your private guide and driver will collect you from the airport and escort you to your luxurious hotel, The Savoy, which is full of old world charm and colonial history. We have not planned anything for you this afternoon so you can relax and unwind by the pool or explore the city as you please – we can arrange a heritage walk of the city if you wish (deluxe room).

Day 10 - SPIRITUAL SHWEDAGON PAGODA

Today you will enjoy a private tour of the shimmering, sparkling Shwedagon Pagoda. We will give you the full history of the pagoda and a deeper insight into Buddhism and also take you around the area so you can see how the locals live, work and shop. A traditional Burmese breakfast, offerings to monks and the pagoda, a visit to a fortune teller and a Burmese lunch are all included. Enjoy a free afternoon.

Day 11 - Bon voyage!

Get ready to bid your farewells to this beautiful country (and maybe plot your return!) After a leisurely breakfast we will transfer you to Yangon Airport, so you can catch your international flight home. Safe Travels!

DETAILS:

This itinerary costs from £1,760 per person (May to September) B&B based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights.

You can get flights from as little as £500 per person return and do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

INCLUDED:

Prices start from £1,760 per person (May to September travel only)

Accommodation on B&B basis

Private transfers (air-conditioned vehicle)

All entrance fees with service of English speaking guide for excursions

6 lunches

Internal flights

Local taxes

All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered

All prices correct at the time of writing. Give us a call or email us at vietnam@fleewinter.com to discuss your requirements and get a confirmed price.

Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans. We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay.

Unlike most tour operators and booking agents everything you book with Fleewinter is fully protected with a UK government authorised bonding scheme. Most importantly we are also members of AITO – the Association of Independent Tour Operators – a group of small travel companies dedicated to providing quality products and service at great prices.